Required Disclosures and Diagnostics (DDT) in France
Understand the mandatory Technical Diagnostic File (DDT) that every landlord in France must provide to a tenant, including energy ratings (DPE) and lead...
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
In France, transparency is critical when signing a rental agreement. Governed by the Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989 (effective 8 July 1989), specifically Article 3-3, the landlord is legally required to provide the tenant with a detailed set of documents grouped under the Technical Diagnostic File (Dossier de Diagnostic Technique, DDT). This file, which must be compiled by a government-certified professional, informs the future tenant about the property's health, safety, and energy consumption.
Mandatory Diagnostics (The DDT)
- Energy Performance Certificate (DPE)
Currently the most impactful document in French real estate. It rates the property's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on a scale from A to G (Codified in Art. L126-26 of the Construction and Habitation Code).
- Validity: 10 years. Note: All DPEs performed before July 1, 2021, are now expired (as of Dec 31, 2024). Only DPEs issued after July 1, 2021, remain valid.
- Climate Law Impact: Under the Climate and Resilience Law, G-rated properties are banned from new rentals/renewals as of Jan 1, 2025; F-rated will be banned as of Jan 1, 2028. Rent is also strictly frozen for F and G-rated properties ("passoires thermiques").
- Lead Exposure Risk Statement (CREP) Mandatory only if the building's construction permit was issued before January 1, 1949. - Highlights the presence of lead-based paint to prevent childhood lead poisoning (Public Health Code Art. L1334-5).
- Validity: 6 years if lead is detected above 1mg/cm²; unlimited if negative (Art. L1334-5, Public Health Code).
- State of Risks and Pollution (ERP)
Informs the tenant if the property is in an area subject to technological, mining, or natural risks (earthquakes, floods, coastal erosion) or exposed to radon gas (Art. L125-5 of the Environment Code).
- Validity: 6 months (Art. L125-5, Environment Code).
- Indoor Electrical Installation State
Mandatory if the property's electrical wiring is over 15 years old. - Identifies potential fire or safety risks for the tenant.
- Validity: 6 years (Art. L134-7, CCH).
- Indoor Gas Installation State
Mandatory if the property has a fixed gas installation over 15 years old (even if it's currently shut off but piping exists).
- Validity: 6 years (Art. L134-7, CCH).
- Noise Diagnostic (ENSA) Required if the property is located in an airport noise exposure zone (PEB).
- Validity: 6 months (Art. L112-11, Urban Planning Code).
- Asbestos State (DAPP) For buildings permitted before July 1997, the landlord must keep an asbestos diagnostic available for the tenant, though it is not strictly required to be attached to the lease (Art. R1334-29-5, Public Health Code).
Penalties for Missing or False DDTs
If the entire DDT is not provided on the day of signing, or if it is intentionally falsified: - The tenant can launch a court case to have the lease completely annulled for fraud (dol). - The tenant may demand a substantial reduction in rent. - If lead poisoning occurs, or a fatal fire is caused by an unreported electrical fault, the landlord faces criminal liability (reckless endangerment/manslaughter) with potential prison time under the Penal Code.
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Frequently Asked Questions
▶What property disclosures are landlords required to make in France?
Landlords in France must disclose relevant information about the property to prospective tenants before the lease is signed. Required disclosures typically include known material defects, environmental hazards, previous damage history, and any conditions that could affect the tenant's use and enjoyment of the property.
▶What are the key landlord-tenant laws in France?
Rental law in France is primarily governed by the Law of July 6, 1989, which was profoundly modified by the Loi ALUR (2014) and the Loi ELAN (2018). The French legal framework is renowned for offering particularly strong protection to tenants while strictly regulating the obligations of property owners (landlords). This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the legal eviction process for landlords in France?
The eviction process in France requires landlords to follow formal legal procedures. Valid grounds typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord's personal use of the property. Landlords must provide proper written notice, allow any required cure periods, and may need to obtain a court or tribunal order. Self-help evictions are generally prohibited.
Read the complete guide▶What are the rent increase limits and caps in France?
France has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. These rules may include caps on the percentage of increase, minimum notice periods, and restrictions on frequency. Landlords must comply with all applicable regulations when raising rent on existing tenancies.
Read the complete guide▶What are the security deposit rules and return deadlines in France?
France has rules governing how much landlords can charge as a security deposit, how deposits must be held or protected, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Landlords must provide itemized statements of any deductions and comply with all statutory deadlines to avoid penalties.
Read the complete guide▶What are the mandatory lease requirements in France?
Lease agreements in France must comply with applicable national and local laws. Required elements typically include the names of both parties, property description, rent amount and payment terms, deposit details, lease duration, and maintenance responsibility allocation. Written leases may be required for certain tenancy types or durations.
Read the complete guide▶What are the landlord maintenance and repair obligations in France?
Landlords in France are generally required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, keeping the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and essential services in proper working order. The specific allocation of maintenance responsibilities between landlord and tenant should be clearly documented in the lease agreement.
Read the complete guide▶What are the late fee and penalty rules for rental properties in France?
France has specific rules regarding late fees and penalties for overdue rent. These may include mandatory grace periods, caps on late fee amounts, and restrictions on interest charges. Late fee provisions should be clearly stated in the lease agreement and must comply with local regulations to be enforceable.
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